Building management system with automatic equipment discovery and equipment model distribution

ABSTRACT

A building management system including a system manager, a zone coordinator, and one or more zone controllers configured to monitor and control building zones. The system manager includes a system bus datalink having an active node table stored therein. The zone coordinator includes a second system bus datalink and a zone bus datalink. A system bus connects the first system bus datalink to the second system bus datalink. A zone bus connects the zone bus datalink to the one or more zone controllers. The active node table includes a plurality of nodes, each node representing a system bus device communicating on the system bus. The system manager is configured to monitor the active node table for new nodes and to identify a new system bus device communicating on the system bus in response to a determination that the active node table includes a new node.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to building management systems.A BMS is, in general, a system of devices configured to control,monitor, and manage equipment in or around a building or building area.A BMS can include, for example, a HVAC system, a security system, alighting system, a fire alerting system, any other system that iscapable of managing building functions or devices, or any combinationthereof.

SUMMARY

One implementation of the present disclosure is a building managementsystem including a system manager, a zone coordinator, and one or morezone controllers. The system manager includes a first system busdatalink having a first active node table stored therein. The zonecoordinator includes a second system bus datalink and a zone busdatalink. A system bus connects the first system bus datalink to thesecond system bus datalink. Each zone controller is configured tomonitor and control a building zone. A zone bus connects the zone busdatalink to the one or more zone controllers. The first active nodetable includes a plurality of nodes, each node representing a system busdevice communicating on the system bus. The system manager is configuredto monitor the first active node table for new nodes and to identify anew system bus device communicating on the system bus in response to adetermination that the first active node table includes a new node.

In some embodiments, the first active node table includes a first tablechange counter, the first system bus datalink is configured to incrementthe first table change counter when a change to the first active nodetable occurs, and the system manager is configured to read the firstactive node table in response to a change of value (COV) of the firsttable change counter.

In some embodiments, the system manager includes a device list generatorconfigured to use information from the first active node table togenerate a device list identifying system bus devices communicating onthe system bus. In some embodiments, the zone coordinator is configuredto maintain a list of zone bus devices communicating on the zone bus andto provide the list of zone bus devices to the system manager. Thesystem manager can be configured to generate a device tree includingboth the system bus devices communicating on the system bus and the zonebus devices communicating on the zone bus.

In some embodiments, each zone controller is connected to asensor/actuator (SA) bus and configured to maintain a list of SA busdevices communicating on the SA bus. The zone coordinator can beconfigured to obtain the list of SA bus devices from each zonecontroller and provide the list of SA bus devices to the system manager.The system manager can be configured to update the device tree toinclude the system bus devices communicating on the system bus, the zonebus devices communicating on the zone bus, and the SA bus devicescommunicating on the SA bus. In some embodiments, the system manager isconfigured to generate an interactive user interface identifying thesystem bus devices, the zone bus devices, and the SA bus devices.

In some embodiments, the zone bus datalink has a second active nodetable stored therein. The second active node table can include aplurality of nodes, each node of the second active node tablerepresenting a zone bus device communicating on the zone bus. In someembodiments, the zone coordinator is configured to monitor the secondactive node table for new nodes and to identify a new zone bus devicecommunicating on the zone bus in response to a determination that thesecond active node table includes a new node

In some embodiments, the system manager is configured to retrieve anequipment model from the new system bus device and to generate a userinterface including one or more point values identified by the equipmentmodel.

In some embodiments, the system manager is configured to automaticallyidentify the new system bus device without requiring the new system busdevice to be placed in discovery mode and without sending a discoverycommand to the new system bus device.

In some embodiments, the system manager is configured to determinewhether the new system bus device provides its own equipment model. Thesystem manager can automatically generate a new equipment model for thenew system bus device in response to a determination that the new systembus device does not provide its own equipment model. The system managercan store the new equipment model within the system manager.

In some embodiments, the zone coordinator is configured to identify oneor more zone bus devices communicating on the zone bus, determinewhether each of the identified zone bus devices provides its ownequipment model, automatically generate a new equipment model for anidentified zone bus device that does not provide its own equipmentmodel, and store the new equipment model within the zone coordinator.

In some embodiments, the system manager is configured to identify one ormore zone bus devices communicating on the zone bus and determinewhether each of the identified zone bus devices provides its ownequipment model. The system manager can communicate directly with eachzone bus device that provides its own equipment model. The systemmanager can communicate with the zone coordinator to interact with eachzone bus device that does not provide its own equipment model.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method fordiscovering equipment in a building management system. The methodincludes monitoring a first active node table for new nodes, each noderepresenting a system bus device communicating on a system bus. Themethod includes identifying a new system bus device communicating on thesystem bus in response to a determination that the first active nodetable includes a new node and determining whether the new system busdevice provides its own equipment model. The method includes retrievingthe equipment model from the new system bus device in response to adetermination that the new system bus device provides its own equipmentmodel. The method includes automatically generating a new equipmentmodel for the new system bus device in response to a determination thatthe new system bus device does not provide its own equipment model.

In some embodiments, the equipment model comprises a plurality of pointobjects that provide information about the new system bus device andstore present values of variables or parameters used by the new systembus device.

In some embodiments, identifying the new system bus device includesincrementing a first table change counter when a change to the firstactive node table occurs and reading the first active node table inresponse to a change of value (COV) of the first table change counter.

In some embodiments, the method includes using information from thefirst active node table to generate a device list identifying system busdevices communicating on the system bus. In some embodiments, the methodincludes maintaining a list of zone bus devices communicating on a zonebus separate from the system bus and generating a device tree includingboth the system bus devices communicating on the system bus and the zonebus devices communicating on the zone bus.

In some embodiments, the method includes maintaining a list ofsensor/actuator (SA) bus devices communicating on a SA bus separate fromthe system bus and the zone bus and updating the device tree to includethe system bus devices communicating on the system bus, the zone busdevices communicating on the zone bus, and the SA bus devicescommunicating on the SA bus. In some embodiments, the method includesgenerating an interactive user interface identifying the system busdevices, the zone bus devices, and the SA bus devices.

In some embodiments, the method includes monitoring a second active nodetable for new nodes. Each node of the second active node table mayrepresent a zone bus device communicating on a zone bus separate fromthe system bus. The method can further include identifying a new zonebus device communicating on the zone bus in response to a determinationthat the second active node table includes a new node.

In some embodiments, the first active node table is stored within asystem bus datalink connected to the system bus and the second activenode table is stored within a zone bus datalink connected to the zonebus.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary isillustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Otheraspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and/orprocesses described herein, as defined solely by the claims, will becomeapparent in the detailed description set forth herein and taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is drawing of a building equipped with a heating, ventilating,and air conditioning (HVAC) system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a building management system (BMS) whichcan be used to monitor and control the building and HVAC system of FIGS.1-2, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a system manager, zonecoordinator, and zone controller of the BMS of FIG. 2A in greaterdetail, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an airside system which can be used in theHVAC system of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the system manager of FIG. 2B ingreater detail, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the zone coordinator of FIG. 2Bin greater detail, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a technique which can be used bythe BMS of FIGS. 2A-2B to automatically discover and interact with BMSequipment, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a technique which can be used bythe BMS of FIGS. 2A-2B to create and use equipment models for system busdevices, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a technique which can be used bythe BMS of FIGS. 2A-2B to create and use equipment models for zone busdevices, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the FIGURES, a building management system (BMS)with automatic equipment discovery and equipment model distribution isshown, according to some embodiments. A BMS is, in general, a system ofdevices configured to control, monitor, and manage equipment in oraround a building or building area. A BMS can include, for example, aHVAC system, a security system, a lighting system, a fire alertingsystem, any other system that is capable of managing building functionsor devices, or any combination thereof.

In brief overview, the BMS described herein provides a systemarchitecture that facilitates automatic equipment discovery andequipment model distribution. Equipment discovery can occur on multiplelevels of the BMS across multiple different communications busses (e.g.,a system bus, zone buses, a sensor/actuator bus, etc.) and acrossmultiple different communications protocols. In some embodiments,equipment discovery is accomplished using active node tables, whichprovide status information for devices connected to each communicationsbus. For example, each communications bus can be monitored for newdevices by monitoring the corresponding active node table for new nodes.When a new device is detected, the BMS can begin interacting with thenew device (e.g., sending control signals, using data from the device)without user interaction.

Some devices in the BMS present themselves to the network usingequipment models. An equipment model defines equipment objectattributes, view definitions, schedules, trends, and the associatedBACnet value objects (e.g., analog value, binary value, multistatevalue, etc.) that are used for integration with other systems. Somedevices in the BMS store their own equipment models. Other devices inthe BMS have equipment models stored externally (e.g., within otherdevices). For example, a zone coordinator can store the equipment modelfor a bypass damper. In some embodiments, the zone coordinatorautomatically creates the equipment model for the bypass damper and/orother devices on the zone bus. Other zone coordinators can also createequipment models for devices connected to their zone busses. Theequipment model for a device can be created automatically based on thetypes of data points exposed by the device on the zone bus, device type,and/or other device attributes. Several examples of automatic equipmentdiscovery and equipment model distribution are discussed in greaterdetail below.

Building and HVAC System

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary building and HVAC system in whichthe systems and methods of the present invention can be implemented areshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 1, a perspectiveview of a building 10 is shown. Building 10 is served by a HVAC system100. HVAC system 100 can include a plurality of HVAC devices (e.g.,heaters, chillers, air handling units, pumps, fans, thermal energystorage, etc.) configured to provide heating, cooling, ventilation, orother services for building 10. For example, HVAC system 100 is shown toinclude a waterside system 120 and an airside system 130. Watersidesystem 120 can provide a heated or chilled fluid to an air handling unitof airside system 130. Airside system 130 can use the heated or chilledfluid to heat or cool an airflow provided to building 10. An exemplaryairside system which can be used in HVAC system 100 are described ingreater detail with reference to FIG. 3.

HVAC system 100 is shown to include a chiller 102, a boiler 104, and arooftop air handling unit (AHU) 106. Waterside system 120 can use boiler104 and chiller 102 to heat or cool a working fluid (e.g., water,glycol, etc.) and can circulate the working fluid to AHU 106. In variousembodiments, the HVAC devices of waterside system 120 can be located inor around building 10 (as shown in FIG. 1) or at an offsite locationsuch as a central plant (e.g., a chiller plant, a steam plant, a heatplant, etc.). The working fluid can be heated in boiler 104 or cooled inchiller 102, depending on whether heating or cooling is required inbuilding 10. Boiler 104 can add heat to the circulated fluid, forexample, by burning a combustible material (e.g., natural gas) or usingan electric heating element. Chiller 102 can place the circulated fluidin a heat exchange relationship with another fluid (e.g., a refrigerant)in a heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) to absorb heat from thecirculated fluid. The working fluid from chiller 102 and/or boiler 104can be transported to AHU 106 via piping 108.

AHU 106 can place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship withan airflow passing through AHU 106 (e.g., via one or more stages ofcooling coils and/or heating coils). The airflow can be, for example,outside air, return air from within building 10, or a combination ofboth. AHU 106 can transfer heat between the airflow and the workingfluid to provide heating or cooling for the airflow. For example, AHU106 can include one or more fans or blowers configured to pass theairflow over or through a heat exchanger containing the working fluid.The working fluid can then return to chiller 102 or boiler 104 viapiping 110.

Airside system 130 can deliver the airflow supplied by AHU 106 (i.e.,the supply airflow) to building 10 via air supply ducts 112 and canprovide return air from building 10 to AHU 106 via air return ducts 114.In some embodiments, airside system 130 includes multiple variable airvolume (VAV) units 116. For example, airside system 130 is shown toinclude a separate VAV unit 116 on each floor or zone of building 10.VAV units 116 can include dampers or other flow control elements thatcan be operated to control an amount of the supply airflow provided toindividual zones of building 10. In other embodiments, airside system130 delivers the supply airflow into one or more zones of building 10(e.g., via supply ducts 112) without using intermediate VAV units 116 orother flow control elements. AHU 106 can include various sensors (e.g.,temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) configured to measureattributes of the supply airflow. AHU 106 can receive input from sensorslocated within AHU 106 and/or within the building zone and can adjustthe flow rate, temperature, or other attributes of the supply airflowthrough AHU 106 to achieve setpoint conditions for the building zone.

Building Management System

Referring now to FIG. 2A, a block diagram of a building managementsystem (BMS) 300 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. A BMSis, in general, a system of devices configured to control, monitor, andmanage equipment in or around a building or building area. A BMS caninclude, for example, a HVAC system, a security system, a lightingsystem, a fire alerting system, any other system that is capable ofmanaging building functions or devices, or any combination thereof. BMS300 can be used to monitor and control the devices of HVAC system 100and/or airside system 200 (e.g., HVAC equipment) as well as other typesof BMS devices (e.g., lighting equipment, security equipment, etc.).

In brief overview, BMS 300 provides a system architecture thatfacilitates automatic equipment discovery and equipment modeldistribution. Equipment discovery can occur on multiple levels of BMS300 across multiple different communications busses (e.g., a system bus354, zone buses 356-360 and 364, sensor/actuator bus 366, etc.) andacross multiple different communications protocols. In some embodiments,equipment discovery is accomplished using active node tables, whichprovide status information for devices connected to each communicationsbus. For example, each communications bus can be monitored for newdevices by monitoring the corresponding active node table for new nodes.When a new device is detected, BMS 300 can begin interacting with thenew device (e.g., sending control signals, using data from the device)without user interaction.

Some devices in BMS 300 present themselves to the network usingequipment models. An equipment model defines equipment objectattributes, view definitions, schedules, trends, and the associatedBACnet value objects (e.g., analog value, binary value, multistatevalue, etc.) that are used for integration with other systems. Anequipment model for a device can include a collection of point objectsthat provide information about the device (e.g., device name, networkaddress, model number, device type, etc.) and store present values ofvariables or parameters used by the device. For example, the equipmentmodel can include point objects (e.g., standard BACnet point objects)that store the values of input variables accepted by the device (e.g.,setpoint, control parameters, etc.), output variables provided by thedevice (e.g., temperature measurement, feedback signal, etc.),configuration parameters used by the device (e.g., operating mode,actuator stroke length, damper position, tuning parameters, etc.). Thepoint objects in the equipment model can be mapped to variables orparameters stored within the device to expose those variables orparameters to external systems or devices.

Some devices in BMS 300 store their own equipment models. Other devicesin BMS 300 have equipment models stored externally (e.g., within otherdevices). For example, a zone coordinator 308 can store the equipmentmodel for a bypass damper 328. In some embodiments, zone coordinator 308automatically creates the equipment model for bypass damper 328 or otherdevices on zone bus 358. Other zone coordinators can also createequipment models for devices connected to their zone busses. Theequipment model for a device can be created automatically based on thetypes of data points exposed by the device on the zone bus, device type,and/or other device attributes. Several examples of automatic equipmentdiscovery and equipment model distribution are discussed in greaterdetail below.

Still referring to FIG. 2A, BMS 300 is shown to include a system manager302; several zone coordinators 306, 308, 310 and 318; and several zonecontrollers 324, 330, 332, 336, 348, and 350. System manager 302 cancommunicate with client devices 304 (e.g., user devices, desktopcomputers, laptop computers, mobile devices, etc.) via a datacommunications link 374 (e.g., BACnet IP, Ethernet, wired or wirelesscommunications, etc.). System manager 302 can provide a user interfaceto client devices 304 via data communications link 374. The userinterface may allow users to monitor and/or control BMS 300 via clientdevices 304.

In some embodiments, system manager 302 is connected with zonecoordinators 306-310 and 318 via a system bus 354. System bus 354 caninclude any of a variety of communications hardware (e.g., wire, opticalfiber, terminals, etc.) configured to facilitate communications betweensystem manager and other devices connected to system bus 354. Throughoutthis disclosure, the devices connected to system bus 354 are referred toas system bus devices. System manager 302 can be configured tocommunicate with zone coordinators 306-310 and 318 via system bus 354using a master-slave token passing (MSTP) protocol or any othercommunications protocol. System bus 354 can also connect system manager302 with other devices such as a constant volume (CV) rooftop unit (RTU)312, an input/output module (IOM) 314, a thermostat controller 316(e.g., a TEC3000 series thermostat controller), and a network automationengine (NAE) or third-party controller 320. RTU 312 can be configured tocommunicate directly with system manager 302 and can be connecteddirectly to system bus 354. Other RTUs can communicate with systemmanager 302 via an intermediate device. For example, a wired input 362can connect a third-party RTU 342 to thermostat controller 316, whichconnects to system bus 354.

System manager 302 can provide a user interface for any devicecontaining an equipment model. Devices such as zone coordinators 306-310and 318 and thermostat controller 316 can provide their equipment modelsto system manager 302 via system bus 354. In some embodiments, systemmanager 302 automatically creates equipment models for connected devicesthat do not contain an equipment model (e.g., IOM 314, third partycontroller 320, etc.). For example, system manager 302 can create anequipment model for any device that responds to a device tree request.The equipment models created by system manager 302 can be stored withinsystem manager 302. System manager 302 can then provide a user interfacefor devices that do not contain their own equipment models using theequipment models created by system manager 302. In some embodiments,system manager 302 stores a view definition for each type of equipmentconnected via system bus 354 and uses the stored view definition togenerate a user interface for the equipment.

Each zone coordinator 306-310 and 318 can be connected with one or moreof zone controllers 324, 330-332, 336, and 348-350 via zone buses 356,358, 360, and 364. Zone busses 356, 358, 360, and 364 can include any ofa variety of communications hardware (e.g., wire, optical fiber,terminals, etc.) configured to facilitate communications between a zonecoordinator and other devices connected to the corresponding zone bus.Throughout this disclosure, the devices connected to zone busses 356,358, 360, and 364 are referred to as zone bus devices. Zone coordinators306-310 and 318 can communicate with zone controllers 324, 330-332, 336,and 348-350 via zone busses 356-360 and 364 using a MSTP protocol or anyother communications protocol. Zone busses 356-360 and 364 can alsoconnect zone coordinators 306-310 and 318 with other types of devicessuch as variable air volume (VAV) RTUs 322 and 340, changeover bypass(COBP) RTUs 326 and 352, bypass dampers 328 and 346, and PEAKcontrollers 334 and 344.

Zone coordinators 306-310 and 318 can be configured to monitor andcommand various zoning systems. In some embodiments, each zonecoordinator 306-310 and 318 monitors and commands a separate zoningsystem and is connected to the zoning system via a separate zone bus.For example, zone coordinator 306 can be connected to VAV RTU 322 andzone controller 324 via zone bus 356. Zone coordinator 308 can beconnected to COBP RTU 326, bypass damper 328, COBP zone controller 330,and VAV zone controller 332 via zone bus 358. Zone coordinator 310 canbe connected to PEAK controller 334 and VAV zone controller 336 via zonebus 360. Zone coordinator 318 can be connected to PEAK controller 344,bypass damper 346, COBP zone controller 348, and VAV zone controller 350via zone bus 364.

A single model of zone coordinator 306-310 and 318 can be configured tohandle multiple different types of zoning systems (e.g., a VAV zoningsystem, a COBP zoning system, etc.). Each zoning system can include aRTU, one or more zone controllers, and/or a bypass damper. For example,zone coordinators 306 and 310 are shown as Verasys VAV engines (VVEs)connected to VAV RTUs 322 and 340, respectively. Zone coordinator 306 isconnected directly to VAV RTU 322 via zone bus 356, whereas zonecoordinator 310 is connected to a third-party VAV RTU 340 via a wiredinput 368 provided to PEAK controller 334. Zone coordinators 308 and 318are shown as Verasys COBP engines (VCEs) connected to COBP RTUs 326 and352, respectively. Zone coordinator 308 is connected directly to COBPRTU 326 via zone bus 358, whereas zone coordinator 318 is connected to athird-party COBP RTU 352 via a wired input 370 provided to PEAKcontroller 344.

Zone controllers 324, 330-332, 336, and 348-350 can communicate withindividual BMS devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, etc.) viasensor/actuator (SA) busses. For example, VAV zone controller 336 isshown connected to networked sensors 338 via SA bus 366. Networkedsensors 338 can include, for example, temperature sensors, humiditysensors, pressure sensors, lighting sensors, security sensors, or anyother type of device configured to measure and/or provide an input tozone controller 336. Zone controller 336 can communicate with networkedsensors 338 using a MSTP protocol or any other communications protocol.Although only one SA bus 366 is shown in FIG. 2A, it should beunderstood that each zone controller 324, 330-332, 336, and 348-350 canbe connected to a different SA bus. Each SA bus can connect a zonecontroller with various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humiditysensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, occupancy sensors, etc.),actuators (e.g., damper actuators, valve actuators, etc.) and/or othertypes of controllable equipment (e.g., chillers, heaters, fans, pumps,etc.).

Each zone controller 324, 330-332, 336, and 348-350 can be configured tomonitor and control a different building zone. Zone controllers 324,330-332, 336, and 348-350 can use the inputs and outputs provided viatheir SA busses to monitor and control various building zones. Forexample, a zone controller 336 can use a temperature input received fromnetworked sensors 338 via SA bus 366 (e.g., a measured temperature of abuilding zone) as feedback in a temperature control algorithm. Zonecontrollers 324, 330-332, 336, and 348-350 can use various types ofcontrol algorithms (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seekingcontrol (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms,proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, modelpredictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.)to control a variable state or condition (e.g., temperature, humidity,airflow, lighting, etc.) in or around building 10.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a block diagram illustrating a portion of BMS300 in greater detail is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.BMS 300 is shown to include system manager 302, a zone coordinator 402,and a zone controller 506. Zone coordinator 402 can be any of zonecoordinators 306-310 or 318. Zone controller 506 can be any of zonecontrollers 324, 330, 332, 336, 348, or 350. Zone coordinator 402 can beconnected with system manager via system bus 354. For example, systembus 354 is shown connecting a first system bus datalink 412 withinsystem manager 302 with a second system bus datalink 514 within zonecoordinator 402. Zone coordinator 402 can connected with zone controller506 via a zone bus 430. For example, zone bus 430 is shown connecting afirst zone bus datalink 510 within zone coordinator 402 with a secondzone bus datalink 511 within zone controller 506. Zone bus 430 can beany of zone busses 356-360 or 364. Zone controller 506 is connected withnetworked sensors 338 and actuators 339 via a SA bus 366.

BMS 300 can automatically discover new equipment connected to any ofsystem bus 354, zone bus 430, and SA bus 366. Advantageously, theequipment discovery can occur automatically (e.g., without user action)without requiring the equipment to be placed in discovery mode andwithout sending a discovery command to the equipment. In someembodiments, the automatic equipment discovery is based on active nodetables for system bus 354, zone bus 430, and SA bus 366. Each activenode table can provide status information for the devices communicatingon a particular bus. For example, the active node table 414 for systembus 354 can indicate which MSTP devices are participating in the tokenring used to exchange information via system bus 354. Active node table414 can identify the devices communicating on system bus 354 by MACaddress or other device identifier. Devices that do not participate inthe token ring (e.g., MSTP slave devices) can be automaticallydiscovered using a net sensor plug and play (described in greater detailbelow).

The active node table for each communications bus can be stored withinone or more devices connected to the bus. For example, active node table414 can be stored within system manager 302. In some embodiments, activenode table 414 is part of a system bus datalink 412 (e.g., a MSTPdatalink) used by system manager 302 to communicate via system bus 354.System manager 302 can subscribe to changes in value of active nodetable 414 and can receive a notification (e.g., from system bus datalink412) when a change in active node table 414. In response to anotification that a change in active node table 414 has occurred, systemmanager 302 can read active node table 414 to detect and identify thedevices connected to system bus 354.

In some embodiments, a device list generator 428 within system manager302 generates a list of the devices connected to system bus 354 (i.e., adevice list) based on active node table 414 and stores the device listwithin system manager 302. The device list generated by system manager302 can include information about each device connected to system bus354 (e.g., device type, device model, device ID, MAC address, deviceattributes, etc.). When a new device is detected on system bus 354,system manager 302 can automatically retrieve the equipment model fromthe device if the device stores its own equipment model. If the devicedoes not store its own equipment model, system manager 302 can retrievea list of point values provided by the device. System manager 302 canthen use the equipment model and/or list of point values to presentinformation about the connected system bus devices to a user.

The active node tables for each zone bus can be stored within the zonecoordinator connected to the zone bus. For example, the active nodetable 512 for zone bus 430 can be stored within zone coordinator 402. Insome embodiments, active node table 512 is part of a zone bus datalink510 (e.g., a MSTP datalink) used by the zone coordinator 402 tocommunicate via zone bus 430. Zone coordinator 402 can subscribe tochanges in value of active node table 512 and can receive a notification(e.g., from zone bus datalink 510) when a change in active node table512 occurs. In response to a notification that a change to active nodetable 512 has occurred, zone coordinator 402 can read active node table512 to identify the devices connected to zone bus 430.

In some embodiments, a detector object 522 of zone coordinator 402generates a list of the devices communicating on zone bus 430 (i.e., adevice list) based on active node table 512 and stores the device listwithin zone coordinator 402. Each zone coordinator in BMS 300 cangenerate a list of devices on the connected zone bus. The device listgenerated by each zone coordinator 402 can include information abouteach device connected to zone bus 430 (e.g., device type, device model,device ID, MAC address, device attributes, etc.). When a new device isdetected on zone bus 430, the connected zone coordinator 402 canautomatically retrieve the equipment model from the device if the devicestores its own equipment model. If the device does not store its ownequipment model, the connected zone coordinator 402 can retrieve a listof point values provided by the device.

Zone coordinator 402 can incorporate the new zone bus device into thezoning logic and can inform system manager 302 that a new zone busdevice has been added. For example, zone coordinator 402 is shownproviding a field device list to system manager 302. The field devicelist can include a list of devices connected to zone bus 430 and/or SAbus 366. System manager 302 can use the field device list and the listof system bus devices to generate a device tree including all of thedevices in BMS 300. In some embodiments, zone coordinator 402 providesan equipment model for a connected zone bus device to system manager302. System manager 302 can then use the equipment model and/or list ofpoint values for the new zone bus device to present information aboutthe new zone bus device to a user.

In some embodiments, the device list generated by each zone coordinator402 indicates whether system manager 302 should communicate directlywith the listed zone bus device (e.g., VAV RTU 322, VAV zone controller324, etc.) or whether system manager 302 should communicate with theintermediate zone coordinator 402 on behalf of the zone bus device. Insome embodiments, system manager 302 communicates directly with zone busdevices that provide their own equipment models, but communicates withthe intermediate zone coordinator 402 for zone bus devices that do notprovide their own equipment model. As discussed above, the equipmentmodels for zone bus devices that do not provide their own equipmentmodel can be generated by the connected zone coordinator 402 and storedwithin the zone coordinator 402. Accordingly, system manager 302 maycommunicate directly with the device that stores the equipment model fora connected zone bus device (i.e., the zone bus device itself or theconnected zone coordinator 402).

The active node table 544 for SA bus 366 can be stored within zonecontroller 506. In some embodiments, active node table 544 is part ofthe SA bus datalink 542 (e.g., a MSTP datalink) used by zone controller506 to communicate via SA bus 366. Zone controller 506 can subscribe tochanges in value of the active node table 544 and can receive anotification (e.g., from SA bus datalink 542) when a change in activenode table 544 occurs. In response to a notification that a change toactive node table 544 has occurred, zone controller 506 can read activenode table 544 to identify some or all of the devices connected to SAbus 366. In some embodiments, active node table 544 identifies only theSA bus devices participating in the token passing ring via SA bus 366(e.g., MSTP master devices). Zone controller 506 can include anadditional net sensor plug and play (NsPnP) 547 configured to detect SAbus devices that do not participate in the token passing ring (e.g.,MSTP slave devices).

In some embodiments, NsPnP 547 is configured to actively search fordevices connected to SA bus 366 (e.g., networked sensors 338, actuators339, lighting controllers 341, etc.). For example, NsPnP 547 can send a“ping” to a preconfigured list of MSTP slave MAC addresses. For each SAbus device that is discovered (i.e. responds to the ping), NsPnP 547 candynamically bring it online. NsPnP 547 can bring a device online bycreating and storing an instance of a SA bus device object representingthe discovered SA bus device. NsPnP 547 can automatically populate theSA bus device object with all child point objects needed to collect andstore point data (e.g., sensor data) from the newly-discovered SA busdevice. In some embodiments, NsPnP 547 automatically maps the childpoint objects of the SA bus device object to attributes of the equipmentmodel for zone controller 506. Accordingly, the data points provided bythe SA bus devices can be exposed to zone coordinator 402 and otherdevices in BMS 300 as attributes of the equipment model for zonecontroller 506.

In some embodiments, a detector object 546 of zone controller 506generates a list of the devices connected to SA bus 366 (i.e., a devicelist) based on active node table 544 and stores the device list withinzone controller 506. NsPnP 547 can update the device list to include anySA bus devices discovered by NsPnP 547. The device list generated byzone controller 506 can include information about each device connectedto SA bus 366 (e.g., device type, device model, device ID, MAC address,device attributes, etc.). When a new device is detected on SA bus 366,zone controller 506 can automatically retrieve the equipment model fromthe device if the device stores its own equipment model. If the devicedoes not store its own equipment model, zone controller 506 can retrievea list of point values provided by the device.

Zone controller 506 can incorporate the new SA bus device into the zonecontrol logic and can inform zone coordinator 402 that a new SA busdevice has been added. Zone coordinator 402 can then inform systemmanager 302 that a new SA bus device has been added. For example, zonecontroller 506 is shown providing a SA device list to zone coordinator402. The SA device list can include a list of devices connected to SAbus 366. Zone coordinator 402 can use the SA device list and thedetected zone bus devices to generate the field device list provided tosystem manager 302. In some embodiments, zone controller 506 provides anequipment model for a connected SA bus device to zone coordinator 402,which can be forwarded to system manager 302. System manager 302 canthen use the equipment model and/or list of point values for the new SAbus device to present information about the new SA bus device to a user.In some embodiments, data points provided by the SA bus device are shownas attributes of the zone controller 506 to which the SA bus device isconnected.

Airside System

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an airside system 200 isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments,airside system 200 can supplement or replace airside system 130 in HVACsystem 100 or can be implemented separate from HVAC system 100. Whenimplemented in HVAC system 100, airside system 200 can include a subsetof the HVAC devices in HVAC system 100 (e.g., AHU 106, VAV units 116,ducts 112-114, fans, dampers, etc.) and can be located in or aroundbuilding 10. In some embodiments, airside system 200 can be used in BMS300 as a VAV rooftop unit 322 or 340 and/or as a COBP rooftop unit 326or 352. Airside system 200 can operate to heat or cool an airflowprovided to building 10.

Airside system 200 is shown to include an economizer-type air handlingunit (AHU) 202. Economizer-type AHUs vary the amount of outside air andreturn air used by the air handling unit for heating or cooling. Forexample, AHU 202 can receive return air 204 from building zone 206 viareturn air duct 208 and can deliver supply air 210 to building zone 206via supply air duct 212. In some embodiments, AHU 202 is a rooftop unitlocated on the roof of building 10 (e.g., AHU 106 as shown in FIG. 1) orotherwise positioned to receive both return air 204 and outside air 214.AHU 202 can be configured to operate exhaust air damper 216, mixingdamper 218, and outside air damper 220 to control an amount of outsideair 214 and return air 204 that combine to form supply air 210. Anyreturn air 204 that does not pass through mixing damper 218 can beexhausted from AHU 202 through exhaust damper 216 as exhaust air 222.

Each of dampers 216-220 can be operated by an actuator. For example,exhaust air damper 216 can be operated by actuator 224, mixing damper218 can be operated by actuator 226, and outside air damper 220 can beoperated by actuator 228. Actuators 224-228 can communicate with an AHUcontroller 230 via a sensor/actuator (SA) bus 232. Actuators 224-228 canreceive control signals from AHU controller 230 and can provide feedbacksignals to AHU controller 230. Feedback signals can include, forexample, an indication of a current actuator or damper position, anamount of torque or force exerted by the actuator, diagnosticinformation (e.g., results of diagnostic tests performed by actuators224-228), status information, commissioning information, configurationsettings, calibration data, and/or other types of information or datathat can be collected, stored, or used by actuators 224-228. AHUcontroller 230 can be an economizer controller configured to use one ormore control algorithms (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seekingcontrol (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms,proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, modelpredictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.)to control actuators 224-228.

Still referring to FIG. 3, AHU 202 is shown to include a cooling coil234, a heating coil 236, and a fan 238 positioned within supply air duct212. Fan 238 can be configured to force supply air 210 through coolingcoil 234 and/or heating coil 236 and provide supply air 210 to buildingzone 206. AHU controller 230 can communicate with fan 238 via SA bus 232to control a flow rate of supply air 210. In some embodiments, AHUcontroller 230 controls an amount of heating or cooling applied tosupply air 210 by modulating a speed of fan 238.

Cooling coil 234 can receive a chilled fluid from waterside system 120via piping 242 and can return the chilled fluid to waterside system 120via piping 244. Valve 246 can be positioned along piping 242 or piping244 to control a flow rate of the chilled fluid through cooling coil234. In some embodiments, cooling coil 234 includes multiple stages ofcooling coils that can be independently activated and deactivated (e.g.,by AHU controller 230) to modulate an amount of cooling applied tosupply air 210.

Heating coil 236 may receive a heated fluid from waterside system 120via piping 248 and can return the heated fluid to waterside system 120via piping 250. Valve 252 can be positioned along piping 248 or piping250 to control a flow rate of the heated fluid through heating coil 236.In some embodiments, heating coil 236 includes multiple stages ofheating coils that can be independently activated and deactivated (e.g.,by AHU controller 230) to modulate an amount of heating applied tosupply air 210.

Each of valves 246 and 252 can be controlled by an actuator. Forexample, valve 246 can be controlled by actuator 254 and valve 252 canbe controlled by actuator 256. Actuators 254-256 can communicate withAHU controller 230 via SA bus 232. Actuators 254-256 can receive controlsignals from AHU controller 230 and can provide feedback signals to AHUcontroller 230. In some embodiments, AHU controller 230 receives ameasurement of the supply air temperature from a temperature sensor 262positioned in supply air duct 212 (e.g., downstream of cooling coil 234and/or heating coil 236).

In some embodiments, AHU controller 230 operates valves 246 and 252 viaactuators 254-256 to modulate an amount of heating or cooling providedto supply air 210 (e.g., to achieve a setpoint temperature for supplyair 210 or to maintain the temperature of supply air 210 within asetpoint temperature range). The positions of valves 246 and 252 affectthe amount of heating or cooling provided to supply air 210 by coolingcoil 234 or heating coil 236 and may correlate with the amount of energyconsumed to achieve a desired supply air temperature. In someembodiments, AHU controller 230 receives a measurement of the zonetemperature from a temperature sensor 264 positioned within buildingzone 206. AHU controller 230 can control the temperature of supply air210 and/or building zone 206 by activating or deactivating coils234-236, adjusting a speed of fan 238, or a combination of both.

Still referring to FIG. 3, AHU controller 230 can be connected to zonecoordinator 402 via zone bus 430 (e.g., a MSTP communications bus).Similarly, zone coordinator 402 can be connected to system manager 302via system bus 354 (e.g., another MSTP communications bus). Zone bus 430and system bus 354 can include any of a variety of communicationshardware (e.g., wires, optical fiber, terminals, etc.) and/orcommunications software configured to facilitate communications betweenAHU controller 230, zone coordinator 402, and system manager 302. Systemmanager 302 can communicate with client device 304 via datacommunications link 374 (e.g., BACnet IP, Ethernet, wired or wirelesscommunications, etc.).

Client device 304 can include one or more human-machine interfaces orclient interfaces (e.g., graphical user interfaces, reportinginterfaces, text-based computer interfaces, client-facing web services,web servers that provide pages to web clients, etc.) for controlling,viewing, or otherwise interacting with HVAC system 100, airside system200, BMS 300, and/or the various subsystems, and devices thereof. Clientdevice 304 can be a computer workstation, a client terminal, a remote orlocal interface, or any other type of user interface device. Clientdevice 304 can be a stationary terminal or a mobile device. For example,client device 304 can be a desktop computer, a computer server with auser interface, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a PDA, or anyother type of mobile or non-mobile device.

System Manager

Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram illustrating system manager 302in greater detail is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Systemmanager 302 is shown to include a system bus datalink 412, acommunications interface 404, and a processing circuit 406. System busdatalink 412 connects to system bus 354 and can be used by systemmanager 302 to communicate with various other devices connected tosystem bus 354. For example, system bus datalink 412 can be used tocommunicate with zone coordinator 402 (i.e., any of zone coordinators306-310 and 318), CVRTU 312, IOM 314, and/or thermostat controller 316.

System bus datalink 412 is shown to include an active node table 414.Active node table 414 provides status information for the devicesconnected to system bus 354. For example, active node table 414 canindicate which MSTP devices are participating in the token ring used toexchange information via system bus 354. In some embodiments, activenode table 414 is a table in the form of an array of bytes. The locationof each byte in active node table 414 may represent the token ringparticipation status of a particular node or device connected to systembus 354. Devices connected to system bus 354 can be identified by MACaddress (or any other device identifier) in active node table 414.Advantageously, active node table 414 can list the MAC addresses of thedevices connected to system bus 354 without requiring the devices to beplaced in discovery mode.

In some embodiments, active node table 414 includes a change counterattribute. Each time a change to active node table 414 occurs (e.g., anew device begins communicating on system bus 354), the change counterattribute can be incremented by system bus datalink 412. Other objectsor devices interested in the status of active node table 414 cansubscribe to a change of value (COV) of the change counter attribute.When the change counter attribute is incremented, system bus datalink412 can report the COV to any object or device that has subscribed tothe COV. For example, device list generator 428 can subscribe to the COVof the change counter attribute and can be automatically notified of theCOV when a change to active node table 414 occurs. In response toreceiving the COV notification, device list generator 428 can readactive node table 414. Device list generator 428 can use the informationfrom active node table 414 to generate a list of devices connected tosystem bus 354. Device list generator 428 is described in greater detailbelow.

Communications interface 404 can facilitate communications betweensystem manager 302 and external systems, devices, or applications. Forexample, communications interface 404 can be used by system manager 302to communicate with client device 304 (e.g., a tablet, a laptopcomputer, a smartphone, a desktop computer, a computer workstation,etc.), monitoring and reporting applications, enterprise controlapplications, remote systems and applications, and/or other externalsystems or devices for allowing user control, monitoring, and adjustmentto BMS 300 and/or system manager 302.

Communications interface 404 can include wired or wirelesscommunications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters,receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting datacommunications with client device 304 or other external systems ordevices. In various embodiments, communications conducted via interface404 can be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or viaa communications network (e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network,etc.). For example, communications interface 404 can include an Ethernetcard and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-basedcommunications link or network. In another example, communicationsinterface 404 can include a WiFi transceiver for communicating via awireless communications network. In another example, communicationsinterface 404 can include cellular or mobile phone communicationstransceivers. In one embodiment, communications interface 404 is a powerline communications interface and/or an Ethernet interface.

Processing circuit 406 is shown to include a processor 408 and memory410. Processor 408 can be a general purpose or specific purposeprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one ormore field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processingcomponents, or other suitable processing components. Processor 408 isconfigured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 410or received from other computer readable media (e.g., CDROM, networkstorage, a remote server, etc.).

Memory 410 can include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memorydevices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer codefor completing and/or facilitating the various processes described inthe present disclosure. Memory 410 can include random access memory(RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage,non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitablememory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory410 can include database components, object code components, scriptcomponents, or any other type of information structure for supportingthe various activities and information structures described in thepresent disclosure. Memory 410 can be communicably connected toprocessor 408 via processing circuit 406 and can include computer codefor executing (e.g., by processor 408) one or more processes describedherein. When processor 408 executes instructions stored in memory 410,processor 408 generally configures system manager 302 (and moreparticularly processing circuit 406) to complete such activities.

Still referring to FIG. 4, system manager 302 is shown to include adevice list generator 428 and a field device mapper 426. Device listgenerator 428 can sign up or subscribe to a change in value (COV) of thechange counter attribute of active node table 414. When a change toactive node table 414 occurs, system bus datalink 412 can provide a COVnotification to device list generator 428. In response to receiving theCOV notification, device list generator 428 can read active node table414. Device list generator 428 can use the information from active nodetable 414 to generate a list of devices connected to system bus 354. Thesystem bus device list can be stored in device list storage 424 and/orprovided to filed device mapper 426.

Field device mapper 426 can sign up or subscribe to a COV of a fielddevice list maintained by zone coordinator 402. Field devices caninclude any device connected to zone bus 430 (i.e., one of zone busses356-360 or 364) either directly or via an intermediate device such as aPEAK controller or zone controller. Zone coordinator 402 can maintain alist of the field devices connected to zone bus 430 in the same way thatsystem manager 302 maintains the list of system bus devices connected tosystem bus 354. In some embodiments, the list of field devicesmaintained by zone coordinator 402 includes a change counter attribute.When a change to the list of field bus devices occurs, zone coordinator402 can provide a COV notification to field device mapper 426. Inresponse to receiving the COV notification, field device mapper 426 canread the list of field devices maintained by zone coordinator 402 toidentify the field devices connected to zone bus 430.

Field device mapper 426 can use the list of devices from zonecoordinator 402 to generate a device tree including both the devicesconnected to system bus 354 and the field devices connected to zone bus430. The device tree can be a hierarchy of devices in BMS 300. Forexample, the list of system bus devices can be updated to include thelist of field devices associated with each zone coordinatorhierarchically below the associated zone coordinator in the system busdevice list. In this way, the list of devices can be updated to includehierarchical information with system bus devices at a first level of thehierarchy and zone bus devices at a lower level of the hierarchy (e.g.,hierarchically below each zone coordinator in the list of system busdevices). In some embodiments, device list storage 424 includes a devicelist change counter attribute. The change counter attribute can beincremented each time an update to the stored device lists occurs.

Still referring to FIG. 4, system manager 302 is shown to include amessaging engine 420. Messaging engine 420 can sign up or subscribe to aCOV in the device list stored in device list storage 424. When a changeto the stored device list occurs, device list storage 424 can provide aCOV notification to messaging engine 420. In response to receiving theCOV notification, messaging engine 420 can read the device list storedin device list storage 424 to identify all of the devices connected tosystem bus 354, any of zone busses 356-360 or 364, and/or SA bus 366. Insome embodiments, messaging engine 420 translates the list of devicesinto format which can be presented to a user. For example, messagingengine 420 can translate the list of devices into a JavaScript objectnotation, HTML format, or any other format that facilitates presentationto a user. Messaging engine 420 can provide the updated and translateddevice list to web server 416.

In some embodiments, messaging engine 420 receives a request for a viewdefinition from web server 416. The view definition may identify a setof attributes for a particular device that are core to the functionalityof the device. Each device or type of device in BMS 300 may have adifferent view definition. For example, the view definition for achiller controller may identify the chiller outlet temperature as animportant data point; however, the view definition for a valvecontroller may not identify such a data point as important to theoperation of the valve. In some embodiments, the view definition for adevice identifies a subset of the data objects defined by the equipmentmodel for the device. Web server 416 may use the view definition todynamically select a subset of the stored data objects for inclusion ina web interface (e.g., a webpage) generated by web server 416.

In some embodiments, view definitions for all the devices in BMS 300 arestored in view definition storage 422 within system manager 302. Inother embodiments, view definitions can be stored in the devicesthemselves (e.g., within zone coordinators, VAV zone controllers, RTUs,etc.). In some embodiments, the view definition for a device is acomponent of the device's equipment model and is provided to systemmanager 302 by connected devices along with the equipment models. Forexample, the devices connected to system bus 354 and/or zone busses356-360 and 364 can provide their own view definitions to system manager302.

If a device does not provide its own view definition, system manager 302can create or store view definitions for the device. If the viewdefinition provided by a particular device is different from an existingview definition for the device stored in system manager 302, the systemmanager's view definition may override or supersede the view definitionprovided by the device. In some embodiments, the view definition for adevice includes the device's user name and description. Accordingly, theweb interface generated by web server 416 can include the device's username and description when the web interface is generated according tothe view definition.

Still referring to FIG. 4, system manager 302 is shown to include a webserver 416 and a user interface (UI) client 418. Web server 416 canreceive a request for a device list from UI client 418 and can generatea web interface that includes the requested device list. In someembodiments, web server 416 uses the updated device list from messagingengine 420 (i.e., the device tree) to generate the web interface. Webserver 416 can use the view definition for each device in the devicelist to determine which attributes of the devices to include in the webinterface. In some embodiments, web server 416 generates a home page foreach type of equipment based on a home page view definition for theequipment type. The home page view definition can be stored in systemmanager 302 (e.g., in view definition storage). Other view definitionscan be stored in system manager 302 or received from the equipment atruntime.

The view definition file may identify a subset of the data objectslisted in the equipment model (e.g., equipment attributes, data points,etc.). The data objects listed in the view definition may be included inthe web interface generated by web server 416 and provided to clientdevice 304. The view definition may group the data objects differentlythan the equipment model. For example, the view definition may group thedata objects in a manner that is intuitive for a user attempting tocommission, monitor, or control the device via the web interface. Webserver 416 may use the view definition to dynamically select a subset ofthe stored data objects for inclusion in the web interface generated byweb server 416.

In some embodiments, web server 416 is a modified Unison HTTP server.Web server 416 may include SSL support for secure connections and theability for CGI scripts to define their own HTTP status codes. Webserver 416 may include support for HTTP authentication (e.g., using aUnison security/login module) as well as support for HTTP 0.9, 1.0, and1.1. Web server 416 may support dynamic content via CGI scripts (e.g.,written in C or any other scripting language) and may support multipleand simultaneous connections by clients.

Web server 416 may be configured to interface with the other componentsof system manager 302 (e.g., natively or via CGI scripts). For example,web server 416 may be configured to read data objects from messagingengine 420, device list storage 424, and/or view definition storage 422and use the data to generate the web interface provided to client device304. Web server 416 may be configured to receive data from client device304 and write data to the data objects based on the input received fromclient device 304. Web server 416 may be configured to access theequipment model and/or the view definition to determine which of thedata objects to include in the generated web interface. Web server 416may dynamically generate the web interface based on the informationprovided in the equipment model and/or the view definition.

In some embodiments, web server 416 uses Common Gateway Interface (CGI)scripts to perform some or all of the functions described herein. TheCGI scripts may be stored within the memory of system manager 302 andprovided to client device 304 in conjunction with the web interfacegenerated by the web server 416. In some embodiments, web server 416integrates the CGI scripts with the web interface and provides theintegrated web interface (e.g., with embedded CGI scripts) to clientdevice 304. A web browser running on client device 304 may run the CGIscripts to request various types of data from system manager 302 via webserver 416.

UI client 418 receives the web interface from web server 418 andprovides the web interface as a user interface to client device 304. Insome embodiments, the web interface includes the updated list of devicesreceived from messaging engine 420. The web interface can includeattributes or data points associated with each listed device. Forexample, the web interface can include analog inputs or outputs, binaryinputs or outputs, enumerated value inputs or outputs, multistate inputsor outputs, string inputs or outputs, or any other type of or valueassociated with a particular device (e.g., device name, measured values,operating mode, etc.).

In some embodiments, the web interface is interactive and allows a userto modify or write various object attributes. The modified objectattributes can be provided to system manager 302 via user interfaceclient 418 and used by system manager 302 to update attributes in theequipment models for the listed devices. If the equipment models arestored within zone coordinator 402 or other devices in BMS 300, theupdated attribute values can be distributed to such devices via systembus 354 and used to update the equipment models stored in such devices.An example of an interactive web interface that can be generated by webserver 416 based on a stored view definition and/or device list isdescribed in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/146,660titled “HVAC Equipment Providing a Dynamic Web Interface Systems andMethods” and filed May 4, 2016, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

Zone Coordinator

Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram illustrating zone coordinator402 in greater detail is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.Zone coordinator 402 can be any zone coordinator in BMS 300 (e.g., oneof zone coordinators 306-310 or 318). In FIG. 5, zone coordinator 402 isshown as a Verasys COBP engine (VCE) connected with a COBP zoning systemvia a zone bus 430. The COBP zoning system is shown to include a COBPRTU 502, a bypass damper 504, and a zone controller 506. However, zonecoordinator 402 can also function as a Verasys VAV engine (VVE) ifconnected with a VVE zoning system via zone bus 430. For example, COBPRTU 502 can be replaced with a VAV RTU and bypass damper 504 can beremoved to allow zone coordinator 402 to function as a VVE. A singlemodel of zone coordinator 402 can be configured to handle multipledifferent types of zoning systems (e.g., a VAV zoning system, a COBPzoning system, etc.).

Zone coordinator 402 is shown to include a system bus datalink 514, azone bus datalink 510, and a processing circuit 518. System bus datalink514 may be the same or similar to system bus datalink 412, as describedwith reference to FIG. 4. For example, system bus datalink 514 can beused to communicate with system manager 302, NAE 320, and/or any othersystem or device connected to system bus 354 (e.g., CVRTU 312, IOM 314,thermostat controller 316, etc.). System bus datalink 514 is shown toinclude an active node table 516. Active node table 516 provides statusinformation for the devices connected to system bus 354. For example,active node table 516 can indicate which MSTP devices are participatingin the token ring used to exchange information via system bus 354.

Similarly, zone bus datalink 510 can be used to communicate with COBPRTU 502, bypass damper 504, zone controller 506, and/or any otherdevices connected to zone bus 430. Zone bus datalink 510 is shown toinclude an active node table 512. Active node table 512 provides statusinformation for the devices connected to zone bus 430. For example,active node table 512 can indicate which MSTP devices are participatingin the token ring used to exchange information via zone bus 430. In someembodiments, active node table 512 is a table in the form of an array ofbytes. The location of each byte in active node table 512 may representthe token ring participation status of a particular node or deviceconnected to zone bus 430. Devices connected to zone bus 430 can beidentified by MAC address (or any other device identifier) in activenode table 512. Advantageously, active node table 512 can list the MACaddresses of the devices connected to zone bus 430 without requiring thedevices to be placed in discovery mode.

In some embodiments, active node table 512 includes a change counterattribute. Each time a change to active node table 512 occurs (e.g., anew device begins communicating on zone bus 430), the change counterattribute can be incremented by zone bus datalink 510. Other objects ordevices interested in the status of active node table 512 can subscribeto a change of value (COV) of the change counter attribute. When thechange counter attribute is incremented, zone bus datalink 510 canreport the COV to any object or device that has subscribed to the COV.For example, detector object 522 can subscribe to the COV of the changecounter attribute and can be automatically notified of the COV when achange to active node table 512 occurs. In response to receiving the COVnotification, detector object 522 can read active node table 512.Detector object 522 can use the information from active node table 512to generate a list of devices connected to zone bus 430. Detector object522 is described in greater detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 5, processing circuit 518 is shown to include aprocessor 520 and memory 508. Processor 520 can be a general purpose orspecific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group ofprocessing components, or other suitable processing components.Processor 520 is configured to execute computer code or instructionsstored in memory 508 or received from other computer readable media(e.g., CDROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.).

Memory 508 can include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memorydevices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer codefor completing and/or facilitating the various processes described inthe present disclosure. Memory 508 can include random access memory(RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage,non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitablememory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory508 can include database components, object code components, scriptcomponents, or any other type of information structure for supportingthe various activities and information structures described in thepresent disclosure. Memory 508 can be communicably connected toprocessor 520 via processing circuit 518 and can include computer codefor executing (e.g., by processor 520) one or more processes describedherein. When processor 520 executes instructions stored in memory 508,processor 520 generally configures zone coordinator 402 (and moreparticularly processing circuit 518) to complete such activities.

Still referring to FIG. 5, zone coordinator 402 is shown to include adetector object 522. Detector object 522 is configured to detectequipment connected to zone bus 430. In some embodiments, detectorobject 522 maintains a device list 524 that system manager 302 uses toconstruct a device tree. Detector objet 522 can generate the device listusing information from active node table 512. For example, detectorobject 522 can sign up or subscribe to a change in value (COV) of thechange counter attribute of active node table 512. When a change toactive node table 512 occurs, zone bus datalink 510 can provide a COVnotification to detector object 522. In response to receiving the COVnotification, detector object 522 can read active node table 512.Detector object 522 can use the information from active node table 512to generate a list of devices connected to zone bus 430. Zone bus devicelist 524 can be stored in zone coordinator 402.

Zone bus device list 524 can provide information about each of thedevices that are currently connected to zone bus 430. In someembodiments, zone bus device list 524 specifies whether system manager302 should talk directly to each connected zone bus device, or whethersystem manager 302 should communicate with zone coordinator 402 tointeract with the zone bus device. In some embodiments, zone bus devicelist 524 specifies that system manager 302 should communicate directlywith devices that store their own equipment model, but shouldcommunicate with zone coordinator 402 to interact with devices havingequipment models stored within zone coordinator 402. In someembodiments, zone bus device list 524 stores detailed information fordevices that have equipment models stored within zone coordinator 402.For example, zone bus device list 524 can store a user name,description, MAC address, online/offline status, number of activecritical alarms, an equipment view version, a top level equipment model,a view definition, and/or model attributes for one or more connectedzone bus devices.

Zone bus device list 524 can specify the network address of eachconnected zone bus device. In some embodiments, the zone bus device liststores a null network address (e.g., network address=0) for a connectedzone bus device if the equipment model for the zone bus device is storedwithin zone coordinator 402. However, if the zone bus device stores itsown equipment model, the actual network address of the zone bus devicecan be provided in zone bus device list 524. System manager 302 can readzone bus device list 524 and use the network address obtained from zonebus device list 524 to communicate directly with connected zone busdevices.

Detector object 522 can communicate with connected zoning system devicesin response to a determination that a change to active node table 512has occurred (e.g., a COV notification from zone bus datalink 510). Uponreceiving the COV notification from zone bus datalink 510, detectorobject 522 can read model attributes of the various zoning systemdevices coordinated by zone coordinator 402. Such devices can includezone bus devices connected to zone bus 430. For example, detector object522 can read model attributes from a wired zone controller 506, bypassdamper 504, COBP RTU 502, and/or any other device connected to zone bus430. Detector object 522 can also read model attributes from otherzoning system devices, which can be connected to zone coordinator 402via a wired or wireless communications link. For example, detectorobject 522 can read model attributes from a Zigbee coordinator device, awireless zone controller, or any other zoning system device. Detectorobject 522 can use the model attributes to populate the informationstored in zone bus device list 524.

In some embodiments, detector object 522 is configured to provide COVnotifications to system manager 302 when zone bus device list 524 isupdated. For example, system manager 302 can subscribe to changes inzone bus device list 524 maintained by detector object 522. When zonebus device list 524 changes, detector object 522 can notify systemmanager 302 of the change. In response to receiving a COV notificationfrom detector object 522, system manager 302 can read zone bus devicelist 524 from zone coordinator 402. System manager 302 can then use theupdated zone bus device list 524 to update the master device list storedin system manager 302 (e.g., in device list storage 424).

In some embodiments, detector object 522 compares the updated zone busdevice list 524 with a previous version of zone bus device list 524 whenan update to zone bus device list 524 occurs. If a MAC address was addedto zone bus device list 524, detector object 522 can create or update anequipment object corresponding to the MAC address (e.g., a zonecontroller equipment object 582, a bypass damper equipment object 572,etc.). If a MAC address was deleted from zone bus device list 524,detector object 522 can remove the corresponding equipment object or cantake no action. If an equipment model has changed for an existing MACaddress in zone bus device list 524, detector object can delete andre-add the associated equipment object. Detector object 522 can mergethe updates to zone bus device list 524 into the previous version ofzone bus device list 524 and can update the online/offline status foreach zone bus device. In some embodiments, detector object 522 deletesoffline devices in response to receiving a relearn command from systemmanager 302.

Still referring to FIG. 5, zone coordinator 402 is shown to include azone coordinator equipment model 550 having a zone coordinator equipmentobject 552. Zone coordinator equipment object 552 can configureconnected zone bus devices. For example, when zone coordinator 402receives an update to a time zone parameter or unit set parameter, zonecoordinator equipment object 552 can pass the updated values to each ofthe zone bus devices. In some embodiments, zone coordinator equipmentobject 552 receives an updated value for the RTU type attribute of COBPRTU 502. The updated value can be received from a user or read from themodel attributes of COBP RTU 502. Zone coordinator equipment object 552can determine whether the updated RTU type is compatible with zonecontroller 506. If the RTU type is not compatible, zone coordinatorequipment object 552 can remove details from zone controller equipmentmodel 580 so that minimal details are shown via the web interface. Insome embodiments, zone coordinator equipment object 552 receives arelearn command from system manager 302 and commands detector object 522to delete offline system bus devices in response to receiving therelearn command.

Zone coordinator 402 is shown to include a bypass damper equipment model570 and a zone controller equipment model 580. Bypass damper equipmentmodel 570 and zone controller equipment model 580 represent bypassdamper 504 and zone controller 506, respectively. Although only one zonecontroller equipment model 580 is shown in FIG. 5, it should beunderstood that any number of zone controller equipment objects can beincluded, based on the number of zone controllers connected to zonecoordinator 402 via zone bus 430. For example, if two zone controllersare connected to zone bus 430, zone coordinator 402 can include two zonecontroller equipment models (i.e., one zone controller equipment modelfor each zone controller).

Equipment models 570 and 580 can include a set of data points orattributes that define bypass damper 504 and zone controller 506. Zonecoordinator 402 can interact with bypass damper 504 and zone controller506 by reading and writing values to equipment models 570 and 580. Insome embodiments, equipment models 570 and 580 are created automaticallyby zone coordinator 402. For example, zone controller equipment model580 can be created or deleted by detector object 522 when zonecontroller 506 is added or removed from the network.

Bypass damper equipment model 570 is shown to include a damper equipmentobject 572. Similarly, zone controller equipment model 580 is shown toinclude a controller equipment object 582. Equipment objects 572 and 582can communicate with bypass damper 504 and zone controller 506 via zonebus 430. For example, damper equipment object 572 can receive data frombypass damper 504 and update bypass damper equipment model 570 with thedata values from bypass damper 504. Similarly, zone controller equipmentobject 582 can receive data from zone controller 506 and can update zonecontroller equipment model 580 with the data values from zone controller506. Equipment objects 572 and 582 can also send data to bypass damper504 and zone controller 506 based on the data values stored in equipmentmodels 570 and 580.

Equipment objects 572 and 582 can create BACnet objects for damper 504and zone controller 506. For example, equipment objects 572 and 582 cancreate BACnet analog value (AV) objects 532, BACnet binary value (BV)objects 534, and/or BACnet multistate value (MV) objects 536representing various data points defined by equipment models 570 and580. The BACnet objects 532-536 created by equipment objects 572 and 582can be stored in BACnet layer 530 and exposed to system bus devices(e.g., system manager 302) via system bus 354. System manager 302 caninteract with bypass damper 504 and zone controller 506 by reading andwriting data values to BACnet objects 532-536. Equipment objects 572 and582 can be configured to synchronize BACnet objects 532-536 with thedata values stored in equipment models 570 and 580 to bridgecommunications between system manager 302 and zone bus devices such asbypass damper 504 and zone controller 506.

In some embodiments, zone controller equipment object 582 can sign up orsubscribe to a COV of a SA device list maintained by zone controller506. SA devices can include any device connected to zone controller 506via a sensor/actuator (SA) bus (e.g., SA bus 366). Zone controller 506can maintain a list of the SA devices connected to the SA bus in thesame way that zone coordinator 402 maintains the list of zone busdevices connected to zone bus 430. In some embodiments, the list of SAbus devices maintained by zone controller 506 includes a change counterattribute. When a change to the list of SA bus devices occurs, zonecontroller 506 can provide a COV notification to zone controllerequipment object 582. In response to receiving the COV notification,zone controller equipment object 582 can read the list of SA bus devicesmaintained by zone controller 506 to identify the devices connected tozone controller 506 via the SA bus.

Zone controller equipment object 582 can use the list of SA bus devicesto update zone bus device list 524. For example, zone bus device list524 can be updated to include the list of SA bus devices associated witheach zone controller in the zone bus device list. As described above,system manager 302 can use the zone bus device list 524 to update thelist of devices in BMS 300. In this way, the list of devices can beupdated to include hierarchical information with system bus devices at afirst level of the hierarchy, zone bus devices at a second level of thehierarchy (e.g., hierarchically below each zone coordinator in the listof system bus devices), and SA bus devices at a third level of thehierarchy (e.g., hierarchically below each zone controller in the listof system bus devices).

Still referring to FIG. 5, zone coordinator 402 is shown to include anRTU object 560. RTU object 560 represents COBP RTU 502. In someembodiments, RTU 502 stores its own equipment model within RTU 502.Accordingly, RTU object 560 may not include an equipment model for RTU502. However, RTU object 560 can behave like an equipment object. Forexample, RTU object 560 can create a set of BACnet objects for RTU 502.The set of BACnet objects created by RTU object 560 can be a subset ofthe BACnet objects exposed directly by RTU 502 on zone bus 430 and canbe stored in BACnet layer 530. The BACnet objects created by RTU object560 provides a local representation of RTU 502 within zone coordinator402. The BACnet objects created by RTU object 560 can be exposed tosystem manager 302 and other system bus devices via system bus 354.

In some embodiments, zone coordinator equipment model 550, bypass damperequipment model 570, and zone controller equipment model 580 includetrend logs 554, 574, and 584. Trend logs 554, 574, and 584 can storetrend data for various data points associated with zone coordinatorequipment object 552, bypass damper equipment object 572, and zonecontroller equipment object 582. Similarly, RTU object 560 can cachedata from RTU 502 for use by other objects within zone coordinator 402.

In some embodiments, zone controller equipment object 582 and trend logs554, 574, and 584 are created/deleted at runtime and may not be part ofthe provisioned archive. For example, zone controller equipment object582 can be created in response to a determination by detector object 522that a new zone controller 506 is connected to zone bus 430. Zonecontroller equipment object 582 can be deleted by detector object 522 isthe corresponding zone controller is offline or disconnected when arelearn command is received by the zone coordinator 402.

In some embodiments, zone controller equipment object 582 and trend logs554, 574, and 584 are archived at runtime in a separate archive file.Detector object 522 can initiate the archive process when a zone isadded or deleted. In some embodiments, the archive process only archiveszone objects and trend log objects. During subsequent startups, thisseparate archive can be loaded immediately after the provisioned archiveis loaded. Persisted values and trend samples from the separate archivecan be retrieved and applied during normal operation. In someembodiments, the provisioning manager 526 does not delete or replace theseparate archive during provisioning.

Still referring to FIG. 5, zone coordinator 402 is shown to includelogic objects 538 and a group object 540. Group object 540 can maintaina list of the zones managed by zone coordinator 402. In someembodiments, the zone list is automatically updated when zones are addedor deleted. For example, zone controller equipment object 582 can beconfigured to automatically add a zone to the zone list when zonecontroller equipment model 580 is created. In some embodiments, groupobject 540 distributes commands or data to the listed zones. Forexample, group object 540 can receive an occupancy command or occupancydata (e.g., from logic objects 538) and can distribute the occupancycommand or occupancy data to the various zone controllers connected tozone bus 430.

Logic objects 538 can interact with the collection of zones and thezoning system. Logic objects 538 can retrieve the zone list from groupobject 540 and perform logic on the collection. Each logic object 538can have different functionality. For example, logic objects 538 can beconfigured to perform zone control (e.g. zoning system balancing, modeselection, shutdown determination, system mode determination, etc.),reset control (e.g., discharge air temperature setpoint reset, ductpressure setpoint reset, etc.), occupancy determination, data processing(e.g., data tagging, outlier detection, etc.), fault detection, or otherlogic-based functions.

In some embodiments, logic objects 538 are configured to performweighted voting for the zones listed by group object 540. Differentbuilding zones can have different conditions (e.g., different airtemperatures, different setpoints, etc.) and therefore may requiredifferent control actions to be performed. For example, one buildingzone may require heating, whereas another building zone may requirecooling. If multiple building zones are served by a single RTU, zonecoordinator 402 can determine whether the RTU should operate in aheating mode (e.g., providing warm air) or a cooling mode (e.g.,providing chilled air) to serve the connected building zones. Zonecoordinator 402 can determine which control action to provide based onvotes provided by each zone controller.

Each zone's vote can have an associated weight (e.g., from zero tothree) that reflects the zone's importance. For example if a zone has aweight of three, it can vote three times, whereas a zone with a weightof one can only vote one time. A weight of zero may indicate that thezone does not vote. Zone controller equipment model 580 can include theweight associated with the zone controlled by zone controller 506. Otherzone controller equipment models stored within zone coordinator 402 caninclude weights for other zones managed by zone coordinator 402 (e.g.,if multiple zone controllers are connected to zone bus 430). A user canmodify the zone weights through system manager 302. Zone coordinator 402can use the weights and the votes provided by each zone controller todetermine how to best operate the RTU that serves the building zones.

Automatic Equipment Discovery and Equipment Model Distribution

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flowchart of a process 600 for automaticallydiscovering and interacting with equipment in a building managementsystem is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 600 canbe performed by one or more components of BMS 300. In some embodiments,process 600 is be performed by system manager 302 and/or zonecoordinator 402 as described with reference to FIGS. 3-5. Process 600can be used to automatically discover devices communicating on systembus 354, any of zone busses 356-360 and 364, and/or SA bus 366. Once thedevices have been discovered, process 600 can be used to generate a userinterface (e.g., a web interface) which provides information about thedevices and allows a user to monitor and control the devices.

Process 600 is shown to include monitoring an active node table for newnodes (step 602). In some embodiments, step 602 is performed by systemmanager 302. For example, system manager 302 can monitor active nodetable 414 for new nodes. Each node in active node table 414 canrepresent a device communicating on system bus 354. In some embodiments,system manager 302 monitors active node table 414 for new nodes bysubscribing to a change of value (COV) of a change counter attribute foractive node table 414. Each time a change to active node table 414occurs (e.g., a new device begins communicating on system bus 354), thechange counter attribute can be incremented by system bus datalink 412.When the change counter attribute is incremented, system bus datalink412 can report the COV to device list generator 428.

In some embodiments, step 602 is performed by zone coordinator 402. Forexample, zone coordinator 402 can monitor active node table 512 for newnodes. Each node in active node table 512 can represent a devicecommunicating on zone bus 430. In some embodiments, zone coordinator 402monitors active node table 512 for new nodes by subscribing to COV of achange counter attribute for active node table 512. Each time a changeto active node table 512 occurs (e.g., a new device begins communicatingon zone bus 430), the change counter attribute can be incremented byzone bus datalink 510. When the change counter attribute is incremented,zone bus datalink 510 can report the COV to detector object 522.

In some embodiments, step 602 is performed by a zone controller (e.g.,zone controller 506). For example, zone controller 506 can monitor anactive node table within a SA bus datalink for new nodes. The SA busdatalink can be used by zone controller 506 to communicate on a SA bus(e.g., SA bus 366). Each node in the active node table for the SA busdatalink can represent a device communicating on the SA bus. In someembodiments, zone controller 506 monitors the active node table for newnodes by subscribing to COV of a change counter attribute for the activenode table. Each time a change to the active node table occurs (e.g., anew device begins communicating on the SA bus), the change counterattribute can be incremented by the SA bus datalink. When the changecounter attribute is incremented, the SA bus datalink can report the COVto zone controller 506.

In some embodiments, system manager 302 monitors the active node table414 within system bus datalink 412 for new nodes. However, systemmanager 302 can also monitor the active node table 512 within zone busdatalink 510 and/or the active node table within the SA bus datalink fornew nodes. For example, zone bus datalink 510 can send COV notificationsto system manager 302 when a change to active node table 512 occurs.Similarly, zone controller 506 can send COV notifications to systemmanager 302 when a change to the active node table for the SA busoccurs. In this way, system manager 302 can monitor not only the activenode table 414 within system bus datalink 412, but also the active nodetables within zone bus datalink 510 and the SA bus datalink.

Still referring to FIG. 6, process 600 is shown to include determiningwhether a new node is detected (step 604). In some embodiments, step 604is performed by system manager 302. For example, device list generator428 can read active node table 414 in response to receiving a COVnotification indicating that active node table 414 has been updated.Device list generator 428 can compare the data from active node table414 to a previous (e.g., cached) version of active node table 414 todetermine whether any new nodes have been added. If a new node has beenadded to active node table 414, device list generator 428 can determinethat a new node is detected (i.e., the result of step 604 is “yes”) andprocess 600 can proceed to step 606. If a new node has not been added,process 600 can return to step 602.

In some embodiments, step 604 is performed by zone coordinator 402. Forexample, detector object 522 can read active node table 512 in responseto receiving a COV notification indicating that active node table 512has been updated. Detector object 522 can compare the data from activenode table 512 to a previous (e.g., cached) version of active node table512 to determine whether any new nodes have been added. If a new nodehas been added to active node table 512, detector object 522 candetermine that a new node is detected (i.e., the result of step 604 is“yes”) and process 600 can proceed to step 606. If a new node has notbeen added, process 600 can return to step 602.

In some embodiments, step 604 is performed by zone controller 506. Forexample, zone controller 506 can read the active node table for the SAbus in response to receiving a COV notification indicating that theactive node table for the SA bus has been updated. Zone controller 506can compare the data from the active node table to a previous (e.g.,cached) version of the active node table to determine whether any newnodes have been added. If a new node has been added to the active nodetable for the SA bus, zone controller 506 can determine that a new nodeis detected (i.e., the result of step 604 is “yes”) and process 600 canproceed to step 606. If a new node has not been added, process 600 canreturn to step 602.

Still referring to FIG. 6, process 600 is shown to include usinginformation from the active node table to identify the new device (step606). In some embodiments, step 606 is performed by system manager 302.For example, device list generator 428 can use address information(e.g., MAC addresses, network addresses, etc.) from active node table414 to send a request for information to a new system bus device. Therequest can include a request for an equipment model stored within thenew system bus device and/or a request for point values provided by thenew system bus device (e.g., a get device tree request). In response tothe request, the new system bus device may provide information that canbe used to identify the device (e.g., device type, model number, typesof data points, etc.). System manager 302 can identify the new systembus device based on such information.

In some embodiments, step 606 is performed by zone coordinator 402. Forexample, detector object 522 can use address information (e.g., MACaddresses, network addresses, etc.) from active node table 512 to send arequest for information to a new zone bus device. The request caninclude a request for an equipment model stored within the new zone busdevice and/or a request for point values provided by the new zone busdevice (e.g., a get device tree request). In response to the request,the new zone bus device may provide information that can be used toidentify the device (e.g., device type, model number, types of datapoints, etc.). Zone coordinator 402 can identify the new zone bus devicebased on such information.

In some embodiments, step 606 is performed by zone controller 506. Forexample, zone controller 506 can use address information (e.g., MACaddresses, network addresses, etc.) from the active node table for theSA bus to send a request for information to a new SA bus device. Therequest can include a request for an equipment model stored within thenew SA bus device and/or a request for point values provided by the newSA bus device (e.g., a get device tree request). In response to therequest, the new SA bus device may provide information that can be usedto identify the device (e.g., device type, model number, types of datapoints, etc.). Zone controller 506 can identify the new SA bus devicebased on such information.

Still referring to FIG. 6, process 600 is shown to include generating alist of devices communicating on the system bus (step 608) andgenerating a list of devices communicating on each zone bus (step 610).Step 608 can be performed by device list generator 428 using informationobtained from active node table 414 and/or information received fromidentified system bus devices. Similarly, step 610 can be performed byeach zone coordinator 402 using information obtained from active nodetable 512 and/or information received from identified zone bus devices.In some embodiments, step 610 includes providing the lists of zone busdevices from each zone coordinator 402 to system manager 302.

Process 600 is shown to include generating a device identifying devicescommunicating on the system bus and devices communicating on each zonebus (step 612). In some embodiments, step 612 is performed by systemmanager 302. For example, system manager 302 can use the lists of zonebus devices from each zone coordinator 402 to construct the device tree.The device tree can be a hierarchy of devices in BMS 300. For example,the list of system bus devices can be updated to include the list offield devices associated with each zone coordinator hierarchically belowthe associated zone coordinator in the system bus device list. In thisway, the combined list of devices (i.e., the device tree) can includehierarchical information with system bus devices at a first level of thehierarchy and zone bus devices at a lower level of the hierarchy (e.g.,hierarchically below the corresponding zone coordinator in the list ofsystem bus devices).

Process 600 is shown to include providing a user interface including thedevice tree (step 614). In some embodiments, step 614 is performed byweb server 416 and/or user interface client 418 of system manager 302.For example, web server 416 can use the device tree generated in step612 to build a web interface. In some embodiments, web server 416 uses aview definition for each device in the device list to determine whichattributes of the devices to include in the web interface. In someembodiments, web server 416 generates a home page for each type ofequipment based on a home page view definition for the equipment type.The home page view definition can be stored in system manager 302 (e.g.,in view definition storage). Other view definitions can be stored insystem manager 302 or received from other devices at runtime.

Process 600 is shown to include interacting with the system bus devicesand the zone bus devices via the user interface (step 616). Step 616 caninclude accessing the equipment models for the system bus devices andthe zone bus devices to obtain data values for display in the userinterface. In some embodiments, step 616 includes receiving input from auser via the user interface. The user input can change an attribute of adevice (e.g., device name, setpoint, device type, etc.) presented in theuser interface. System manager 302 can use the updated value of thedevice attribute to update the value in the equipment model for thedevice and/or to provide a control signal to the device. In someembodiments, step 616 includes providing the updated value to zonecoordinator 402 and/or zone controller 506 (e.g., if the equipment modelfor the device is stored in zone coordinator 402 or zone controller506).

Referring now to FIG. 7, a flowchart of a process 700 for automaticallycreating and using equipment models for system bus devices is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 700 can be performed byone or more components of system manager 302, as described withreference to FIGS. 3-4. In some embodiments, process 700 is performed bysystem manager 302 when a new system device is detected.

Process 700 is shown to include identifying a new device communicatingon the system bus (step 702). Step 702 can be the same or similar tostep 606 of process 600. For example, step 702 can include using addressinformation (e.g., MAC addresses, network addresses, etc.) from activenode table 414 to send a request for information to a new system busdevice. The request can include a request for an equipment model storedwithin the new system bus device and/or a request for point valuesprovided by the new system bus device (e.g., a get device tree request).In response to the request, the new system bus device may provideinformation that can be used to identify the device (e.g., device type,model number, types of data points, etc.). System manager 302 canidentify the new system bus device based on such information.

Process 700 is shown to include determining whether the new system busdevice includes an equipment model (step 704). Some devices in BMS 300present themselves to system manager 302 using equipment models. Anequipment model can define equipment object attributes, viewdefinitions, schedules, trends, and the associated BACnet value objects(e.g., analog value, binary value, multistate value, etc.) that are usedfor integration with other systems. Some system bus devices store theirown equipment models (e.g., zone coordinators 306-310 and 318, CVRTU312, thermostat controller 316). Other devices in BMS 300 do not storetheir own equipment models (e.g., IOM 314, third party controller 320,etc.). Step 704 can include sending a request for an equipment model tothe new system bus device or reading a list of point values provided bythe new system bus device. If the new system bus device includes anequipment model, the system bus device may present an equipment model tosystem manager 302 in response to the request.

If the system bus device includes an equipment model (i.e., the resultof step 704 is “yes”), system manager 302 can read the equipment modelfrom the system bus device (step 706). Since the equipment model isalready stored within the system bus device, the equipment model can beretained within the system bus device (step 708). However, if the systembus device does not include an equipment model (i.e., the result of step704 is “no”), system manager 302 can automatically generate a newequipment model for the system bus device (step 710). In someembodiments, system manager 302 retrieves a list of point valuesprovided by the device and uses the list of point values to create a newequipment model for the device. The new equipment model can be storedwithin system manager 302 (step 712).

Process 700 is shown to include interacting with the system bus devicevia the equipment model (step 714). Step 714 can include reading datavalues from the equipment model and writing data values to the equipmentmodel. If the equipment model is stored in the system bus device, step714 can include interacting directly with the system bus device.However, if the equipment model is stored in system manager 302, step714 can include interacting with system manager 302. System manager 302can then interact with the system bus device. System manager 302 canprovide a user interface for any system bus device using the equipmentmodels stored within the system bus devices and/or the equipment modelscreated by system manager 302. In some embodiments, system manager 302stores a view definition for each type of equipment connected via systembus 354 and uses the stored view definition to generate a user interfacefor the equipment.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a flowchart of a process 800 for automaticallycreating and using equipment models for zone bus devices is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 800 can be performed byone or more components of zone coordinator 402, as described withreference to FIGS. 3-5. In some embodiments, process 800 is performed byzone coordinator 402 when a new zone bus device is detected.

Process 800 is shown to include identifying a new device communicatingon the zone bus (step 802). Step 802 can be the same or similar to step606 of process 600. For example, step 802 can include using addressinformation (e.g., MAC addresses, network addresses, etc.) from activenode table 512 to send a request for information to a new zone busdevice. The request can include a request for an equipment model storedwithin the new zone bus device and/or a request for point valuesprovided by the new zone bus device (e.g., a get device tree request).In response to the request, the new zone bus device may provideinformation that can be used to identify the device (e.g., device type,model number, types of data points, etc.). Zone coordinator 402 canidentify the new zone bus device based on such information.

Process 800 is shown to include determining whether the new zone busdevice includes an equipment model (step 804). Some devices in BMS 300present themselves to zone coordinator 402 using equipment models. Anequipment model can define equipment object attributes, viewdefinitions, schedules, trends, and the associated BACnet value objects(e.g., analog value, binary value, multistate value, etc.) that are usedfor integration with other systems. Some zone bus devices store theirown equipment models (e.g., supported RTUs). Other zone bus devices donot store their own equipment models (e.g., bypass damper 504, zonecontroller 506). Step 804 can include sending a request for an equipmentmodel to the new zone bus device or reading a list of point valuesprovided by the new zone bus device. If the new zone bus device includesan equipment model, the zone bus device may present an equipment modelto zone coordinator 402 in response to the request.

If the zone bus device includes an equipment model (i.e., the result ofstep 804 is “yes”), zone coordinator 402 can read the equipment modelfrom the zone bus device (step 806). Since the equipment model isalready stored within the zone bus device, the equipment model can beretained within the zone bus device (step 808). However, if the zone busdevice does not include an equipment model (i.e., the result of step 804is “no”), zone coordinator 402 can automatically generate a newequipment model for the zone bus device (step 810). In some embodiments,zone coordinator 402 retrieves a list of point values provided by thedevice and uses the list of point values to create a new equipment modelfor the device. The new equipment model can be stored within zonecoordinator 402 (step 812).

Process 800 is shown to include interacting with the zone bus device viathe equipment model (step 814). Step 814 can include reading data valuesfrom the equipment model and writing data values to the equipment model.If the equipment model is stored in the zone bus device, step 814 caninclude interacting directly with the zone bus device. For example,system manager 302 can communicate directly with a zone bus device thatstores its own equipment model. However, if the equipment model isstored in zone coordinator 402, step 814 can include interacting withzone coordinator 402. Zone coordinator 402 can then interact with thezone bus device.

Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments

The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown inthe various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may bereversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discreteelements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method stepsmay be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplaryembodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROMor other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinationsof the above are also included within the scope of machine-readablemedia. Machine-executable instructions include, for example,instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform acertain function or group of functions.

Although the figures show a specific order of method steps, the order ofthe steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps maybe performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variationwill depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designerchoice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure.Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standardprogramming techniques with rule based logic and other logic toaccomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparisonsteps and decision steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A building management system comprising: a systemmanager comprising a first system bus datalink having a first activenode table stored therein; a zone coordinator comprising a second systembus datalink and a zone bus datalink; a system bus connecting the firstsystem bus datalink to the second system bus datalink; one or more zonecontrollers, each zone controller configured to monitor and control abuilding zone; and a zone bus connecting the zone bus datalink to theone or more zone controllers; wherein the first active node tablecomprises a plurality of nodes, each node representing a system busdevice communicating on the system bus; wherein the system manager isconfigured to monitor the first active node table for new nodes and toidentify a new system bus device communicating on the system bus inresponse to a determination that the first active node table includes anew node.
 2. The building management system of claim 1, wherein: thefirst active node table comprises a first table change counter; thefirst system bus datalink is configured to increment the first tablechange counter when a change to the first active node table occurs; andthe system manager is configured to read the first active node table inresponse to a change of value (COV) of the first table change counter.3. The building management system of claim 1, wherein the system managercomprises a device list generator configured to use information from thefirst active node table to generate a device list identifying system busdevices communicating on the system bus.
 4. The building managementsystem of claim 3, wherein: the zone coordinator is configured tomaintain a list of zone bus devices communicating on the zone bus and toprovide the list of zone bus devices to the system manager; and thesystem manager is configured to generate a device tree comprising boththe system bus devices communicating on the system bus and the zone busdevices communicating on the zone bus.
 5. The building management systemof claim 4, wherein: each zone controller is connected to asensor/actuator (SA) bus and configured to maintain a list of SA busdevices communicating on the SA bus; the zone coordinator is configuredto obtain the list of SA bus devices from each zone controller andprovide the list of SA bus devices to the system manager; and the systemmanager is configured to update the device tree to include the systembus devices communicating on the system bus, the zone bus devicescommunicating on the zone bus, and the SA bus devices communicating onthe SA bus.
 6. The building management system of claim 1, wherein thesystem manager is configured to automatically identify the new systembus device without requiring the new system bus device to be placed indiscovery mode and without sending a discovery command to the new systembus device.
 7. The building management system of claim 1, wherein thezone bus datalink has a second active node table stored therein, thesecond active node table comprising a plurality of nodes, each node ofthe second active node table representing a zone bus devicecommunicating on the zone bus.
 8. The building management system ofclaim 7, wherein the zone coordinator is configured to monitor thesecond active node table for new nodes and to identify a new zone busdevice communicating on the zone bus in response to a determination thatthe second active node table includes a new node.
 9. The buildingmanagement system of claim 1, wherein the system manager is configuredto retrieve an equipment model from the new system bus device and togenerate a user interface comprising one or more point values identifiedby the equipment model.
 10. The building management system of claim 1,wherein the system manager is configured to: determine whether the newsystem bus device provides its own equipment model; automaticallygenerate a new equipment model for the new system bus device in responseto a determination that the new system bus device does not provide itsown equipment model; and store the new equipment model within the systemmanager.
 11. The building management system of claim 1, wherein the zonecoordinator is configured to: identify one or more zone bus devicescommunicating on the zone bus; determine whether each of the identifiedzone bus devices provides its own equipment model; automaticallygenerate a new equipment model for an identified zone bus device thatdoes not provide its own equipment model; and store the new equipmentmodel within the zone coordinator.
 12. The building management system ofclaim 1, wherein the system manager is configured to: identify one ormore zone bus devices communicating on the zone bus; determine whethereach of the identified zone bus devices provides its own equipmentmodel; communicate directly with each zone bus device that provides itsown equipment model; and communicate with the zone coordinator tointeract with each zone bus device that does not provide its ownequipment model.
 13. A method for discovering equipment in a buildingmanagement system, the method comprising: monitoring a first active nodetable for new nodes, each node representing a system bus devicecommunicating on a system bus; identifying a new system bus devicecommunicating on the system bus in response to a determination that thefirst active node table includes a new node; determining whether the newsystem bus device provides its own equipment model; retrieving theequipment model from the new system bus device in response to adetermination that the new system bus device provides its own equipmentmodel; and automatically generating a new equipment model for the newsystem bus device in response to a determination that the new system busdevice does not provide its own equipment model.
 14. The method of claim13, wherein identifying the new system bus device comprises:incrementing a first table change counter when a change to the firstactive node table occurs; and reading the first active node table inresponse to a change of value (COV) of the first table change counter.15. The method of claim 13, further comprising using information fromthe first active node table to generate a device list identifying systembus devices communicating on the system bus.
 16. The method of claim 15,further comprising: maintaining a list of zone bus devices communicatingon a zone bus separate from the system bus; and generating a device treecomprising both the system bus devices communicating on the system busand the zone bus devices communicating on the zone bus.
 17. The methodof claim 16, further comprising: maintaining a list of sensor/actuator(SA) bus devices communicating on a SA bus separate from the system busand the zone bus; and updating the device tree to include the system busdevices communicating on the system bus, the zone bus devicescommunicating on the zone bus, and the SA bus devices communicating onthe SA bus.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the equipment modelcomprises a plurality of point objects that provide information aboutthe new system bus device and store present values of variables orparameters used by the new system bus device.
 19. The method of claim13, further comprising: monitoring a second active node table for newnodes, each node of the second active node table representing a zone busdevice communicating on a zone bus separate from the system bus; andidentifying a new zone bus device communicating on the zone bus inresponse to a determination that the second active node table includes anew node.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the first active nodetable is stored within a system bus datalink connected to the systembus; and the second active node table is stored within a zone busdatalink connected to the zone bus.